Thealos smiled and shifted his weight. It hurt, but it was not the constant searing pain it had been days before. “Hello, Allavin. What news in the city?”
He entered and helped himself to a slice of bread from the table tray next to the bed. After lathering the slice with some honey butter, he took a bite and paused, his expression delighted. “Best banned bread in the city. I need Kirke to pack a loaf or two. I’ll be leaving in the morning.”
“Leaving?” Stasy said, frowning.
“Heard Folkes’ army was in full retreat back into the mountains. I don’t know how long it will take for them to get the news of Ballinaire’s death. We hope to spread the word as we go.”
Thealos sighed deeply. “So Ballinaire was killed.”
Allavin’s grin broadened even more. “Saw it myself from the back of a proud alerion. Swore I’d live to see the day. Thank the shades I was here to watch it all unravel.”
“So who controls the city? Has either side backed down yet?”
Allavin grunted. “Not banned likely. The knights control the northern half of the city. Which includes this very inn. The Shae have taken the streets on the southern half, including the governor’s mansion. Lots of Bandits still skulking in the tunnels. But I’m sure the Silvan queen will send down some diplomats to negotiate a Pax. King don Rion will sign it, of course, for a price. Myself, I’d rather slowly stab myself in the eye with a dagger than listen to the negotiations. How soon are you planning to return to Avisahn?”
Thealos saw Stasy stiffen, but she said nothing.
“Soon, I hope. But it will be a while yet before I’m fit to travel. I think a ride on an alerion would kill me.”
Allavin clapped his shoulder—lightly. “It would take more than that, lad. I’ve been told what you did. I saw what it did to the Bandit army. I don’t care if no one in don Rion’s palace knows the truth of it. I’ll know. And you lived. Best to you, lad.”
“This is only goodbye for now,” Thealos said, wishing he was strong enough to grip his hand.
“That’s for certain. Goodbye, lass. Are you staying here?”
She smiled. “This will be my home for a while yet. After that, we’ll see.”
The door shut softly behind him.
Thealos glanced at his hands. “Have you seen Flent and Justin?”
“Flent is down below in the common room, cheating at Bones. That shouldn’t surprise you. Justin is helping Exeres out in the Shadows Wood. I think he’s…too ashamed to come see you. You Shae have a knack for feeling guilty.”
Thealos grinned but he felt it wilt from his mouth. Better to get it over with.
“I need to return to Avisahn, Stasy.”
Silence.
“I know.”
“You don’t have to stay in Landmoor. I told you before that I’d reward you. You’ve done enough. You could go back to Sol, you could…”
She turned and the look she gave him silenced him.
“I know all that, Quickfellow. You go to Avisahn when you’re ready. You know where I will always be.”
Don’t look at me like that, he wanted to say. But saying it would be even harder. Saying it would be telling her that he knew she cared. And that he cared too. Better not to say anything then. Some words could never be pulled back. Some memories could never be blotted out.
But he wondered if she could see the words in his eyes written by the glowing lamplight.
Chapter XXXVI
Sunshine lay across the Inland valley like a smothering blanket. The heat cooked and shimmered off the gilt gates of the Royal Gardens of Silverborne Palace in Avisahn. Thankfully, several copses of aspen provided some weak shade, otherwise Thealos might have fainted from the scorching circle bleeding color from the cloudless sky. As he stood, hands clasped in front of him, he saw from the corner of his eye several children fanning themselves. One aged member of the Sunedrion had managed the art of falling asleep while standing. The blistering sun seemed to be ignoring the attempts to create a somber mood. It was, after all, a state funeral.
Thealos looked back at the flower-wreathed headstones. Tokens really. Symbols. Not enough of his family remained to scoop into a box, let alone fill a casket and bury. But the ceremony was symbolic in many ways. As the Council Elder of Vannier droned on—how easy that was for Nordain—it made Thealos itch all the more to make a scene and walk out.